Citroën C1 gets price cut, silly face

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Along with a new face and more efficient engine, the Citroen C1 also gets a reduced price. The two-model range starts at R99 900.

Citroën's C1 city car, which shares most of its bits and pieces with the Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo, has received a new look, better fuel efficiency and a price repositioning.

As with most facelifts, the biggest changes can be seen at the front end, particularly in the larger grille and airdams, with LED lighting on the flagship Seduction model.

Citroën has not yet confirmed whether there were any Mickey Mouse posters hanging up in the designer's inspiration lounge.

But down to the nitty-gritty, this car is more about affordability than style and to that end Citroën has dropped the price of the base Attraction model from R113 600 to R99 900 while the range-topping Seduction model retains its old price of R120 600.

Unlike most price rivals, the C1 Attraction has dual front airbags and ABS brakes as standard but on the comfort front it loses the air conditioning and sound system - both of which are now optional.

These features are standard on the Seduction, along with a USB socket, electric front windows and side airbags.

Have you noticed any of the changes they made to the cabin? We are trying.

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Cabin upgrades extend to a restyled fascia, more ergonomically-shaped gear lever and new upholstery designs.

LESS THIRST

The C1's Toyota-designed 1-litre three-cylinder petrol engine has been tinkered with to make it more efficient - official combined consumption is now down to 4.3 l/100km and the CO2 emissions rating falls just below the magical 100 mark at 99g/km. As before, the engine is credited with 50kW and 93Nm - which is in the same ballpark as the Hyundai and Kia.

Citroën claims a 13.5-second zero to 100km/h sprint and 160km/h top speed.

Mechanical changes also extend to the steering, which is revised for improved feel and feedback and the shock absorbers, which have been recalibrated to provide better comfort.

Unlike the Toyota Aygo, which is admittedly quite a lot more expensive, the C1 is not sold with a standard service plan but buyers can opt for one at extra cost.

PRICES

1.0 Attraction - R99 900

1.0 Seduction - R120 600

RIVALS

Chevrolet Spark Lite 1.0 LS - R98 700

Chevrolet Spark 1.2 L - R107 500

Fiat Panda 1.2 Young - R105 000

Geely LC 1.3 GL - R91 900

Hyundai i10 1.1 GLS - R102 900

Kia Picanto 1.0 - R99 995

Peugeot 107 1.0 Urban - R116 500

Suzuki Alto 1.0 GL - R106 900

Toyota Aygo 1.0 Fresh 5dr - R118 100